Methods and devices for applying solid nail coating to  mammalian and artificial nails

ABSTRACT

Devices, methods, and kits for making and using a graphic film laminate to decorate fingernail and/or toenail are provided. In one aspect, a thermally-curable vinyl-based pressure-sensitive self-adhesive nail cover/coating laminate is provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/904,655, filed Sep. 28, 2007, which in turn claims priority to U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/848,126, filed on Sep. 29, 2006, thecontents of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Aspects of the present invention generally relate to cosmetics. Inparticular, aspects and embodiments of the invention relate to methodsand devices directed to a non-liquid graphic nail coating and/orcovering for nail decorations.

2. Description of the Related Art

The following includes information that may be useful in understandingthe present invention. It is not an admission that any of theinformation provided herein is prior art, or relevant, to the presentlydescribed or claimed inventions, or that any publication or documentthat is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

The field of cosmetics is flourishing. However, the application offingernail polish onto fingernails and toenails is a long and laboriousprocess. Typically, consumers desirous of decorating their fingernailsand/or toenails with a particular color, artwork, and/or design usuallyneed go to a professional nail salon and have the desired graphicsapplied manually in the form of a liquid nail-polish. These conventionalliquid nail-polish manicures techniques often involve the laboriousprocesses of filing, polishing, and painting (which may also include theapplication of primers, sealants, and/or topcoats) of the fingernail ortoenails. In addition, conventional manicure techniques may also includethe application of silk wrap, artificial nail tips (e.g. Frenchmanicure), acrylics, or artificial nail gels. These processes areusually costly, time-consuming (e.g. long drying time), and the finishednail surfaces are usually prone to chipping, thus, repeated applicationsare often necessary in order to maintain the desired appearance.Furthermore, many ingredients found in conventional fingernail polishand/or nail polish removers tend to contain harmful chemical components,including phthalates, formaldehyde, and/or organic solvents, many ofwhich may produce noxious vapors that may be hazardous to one's health.

Various devices, methods, and systems have been devised to improve thenail art process, including for example, those reported in U.S. Pat. No.5,309,365 U.S. Pat. No. 5,209, U.S. Pat. No. 4,824,702, U.S. Pat. No.5,525,389, U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,781, U.S. Pat. No. 5,681,631, U.S. Pat.No. 7,123,983; U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,196; U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,949; U.S.Pat. No. 6,065,969; U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,375; U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,610;WO2005070048; U.S. Pat. No. 6,063,494; and US2005/0150508. However,certain conventional graphic sign-making techniques known in the artemploy vinyl films impregnated with pigments or dyes, and these are usedwith release coated materials where transfer tapes are required for thesign making process. These conventional pigments suffer from the defectthat they are not suitable for outdoor use because the dyes and pigmentsare subject to attack and degradation by ultra violet light. As aresult, a certain number of these conventional techniques still requirethe use of chemical primers, sealants and top coats (often at roomtemperature) to supplement the application of these sign-making filmsfor decorative purposes in order to produce a sustained and stable colorand appearance characteristics. Thus, despite these attempts, thetechnique of applying liquid nail-polish remains as the primary andpredominant approach for decorating fingernails and/or toenails in thecosmetic industry.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, to address some of these unmet needs, aspects andembodiments of the present invention provide convenient, durable, andenvironmentally friendly devices, methods, kits, and/or systems fordecorating fingernails and/or toenails.

In one aspect, a nail coating/cover laminate configured to adhere to thenail top surface thereby covering substantially the entire nail topsurface is provided. In one embodiment, the nail coating laminate is avinyl nail laminate for decorating fingernails and/or toenails. In otherembodiments, the vinyl film is a cast vinyl film. In certain otherembodiments, the laminated vinyl film is a thermal-sensitiveheat-curable laminated cast vinyl film. In yet another embodiment, thevinyl film is a heat-curable pressure sensitive adhesive film. In afurther embodiment, the vinyl film is a digitally printed graphic film.In certain other embodiments, the vinyl film is a thermal transferprinted graphic film. In yet another embodiment, the vinyl film is alaminated, heat curable, thermal transfer printed graphic film.

In one aspect, a method of decorating a nail comprising: applying athermal-sensitive vinyl film laminate to decorate a fingernail or atoenail is provided. In certain embodiments, the method furthercomprising applying an effective amount of heat to said thermalsensitive vinyl nail laminate to promote bonding between the naillaminate to said nail surface. In other embodiments, the method furthercomprising applying an effective amount of heat to said thermalsensitive vinyl nail laminate disposed over said nail surface to promotesmoothness of the nail contour or to reduce surface wrinkle. In yetanother embodiment, the vinyl film laminate comprises a user selectednail graphics suitable for decorating a nail. In certain otherembodiments, the vinyl film laminate is transparent. In yet anotherembodiment, the vinyl film laminate is a cast film laminate. In yetanother embodiment, the laminate is a pressure-sensitive self-adhesivelaminate.

In one aspect, a method of removing nail decoration comprising: removinga thermal-sensitive cast vinyl film laminate from a fingernail or a toenail, is provided.

In another aspect, a method of manufacture for a vinyl film laminate fornail decoration comprising: laminating a thermal-sensitive clear castvinyl film top layer onto a graphics cast film vinyl film substrateuseful for fingernail or toenails decoration. In certain embodiments,the method further comprising: providing a nail graphics selected by theuser to be applied to the desired nail; printing the nail graphics ontoa nail coating film substrate; heat-curing the nail graphics onto thefilm substrate; laminating a clear top layer vinyl film onto theheat-cured graphics film substrate; cutting the graphics laminate intopredetermined sizes, shapes or sheets for application onto the nail;removing the excess material after cutting; and packaging the nail coverlaminates.

In one aspect, a method of applying a thermal-sensitive vinyl nailcoating laminate for fingernail or toenail decoration comprising:providing a thermal-sensitive vinyl nail cover laminate comprising anail graphics selected by the user to be applied to a nail surface andthe laminate being attached to a backing material; cleaning the nailsurface to which the nail cover laminate is to be applied, the nailsurface having a curved contour; pre-heating the nail cover laminate;removing the heated nail cover laminate from the backing material;applying the nail cover laminate onto the nail surface; heat-curing thenail cover laminate disposed over the nail surface by applying heat;conforming the nail cover laminate according to the contour of the nailsurface; shaping the nail cover laminate; applying a second heating tocure the nail cover laminate disposed over the nail surface; andconforming the nail cover laminate according to the nail surfacecontour, is provided.

In another aspect, a method of removing a thermal-sensitive vinyl nailcoating laminate for fingernail or toenail decoration comprising:providing a nail cover laminate disposed over a nail surface; heatingthe nail cover laminate to release the laminate from the nail surface;peeling peripheral portion of the nail cover laminate to be removed;grasping the peeled peripheral portion of the nail cover laminate; andremoving the nail cover laminate from the nail surface, is provided.

In yet another aspect, a thermal sensitive laminated nail coatingcomprising: a clear vinyl film top layer; a middle vinyl film layer witha self-adhesive bottom face and a nail graphics top face with digitallyprinted graphics disposed between the top layer and the second layer;and a bottom backing layer with self-adhesive disposed thereon isprovided.

In yet another embodiment, a nail coating laminate comprising: athermal-sensitive clear cast vinyl film top layer laminated onto athermal-sensitive cast vinyl film middle layer wherein said cast vinylfilm middle layer comprises a self-adhesive bottom face; and a bottombacking layer with self-adhesive disposed thereon configured toreleasably and peelably adhere to the cast vinyl film middle layer isprovided.

In yet another aspect, a kit for decorating nails comprising: a packageof ready to apply thermal curable pressure sensitive self-adhesive castvinyl laminate is provided.

The inventions described and claimed herein have many attributes andembodiments including, but not limited to, those set forth or describedor referenced in this Brief Summary. It is intended to be all-inclusiveand the inventions described and claimed herein are not limited to or bythe features or embodiments identified in this Brief Summary, which isincluded for purposes of illustration only and not restriction.

Various aspects of the present invention will be readily understood bythe following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like elements in theseveral views. It is understood that the embodiments of the inventionmay have more or less components than are shown in the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary manufacturing method embodiment for themanufacture of nail cover laminate embodiment according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary method embodiment for applying a nailcover laminate embodiment according to the present invention. Exemplarynail cover laminate illustrated herein may include method of applyinggraphic film to nails.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary method embodiment for removing a nailcover laminate embodiment according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary nail coverlaminate embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary clear nailcover laminate embodiment configured to protect, and disposed over,existing conventional manicured nail surface.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary sheet of printed nail cover laminateembodiment according to the invention. Exemplary laminates illustratedherein contain sample images that may be applied to a graphic film forattachment to a fingernail or toenail.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary sheet of clear nail cover laminateembodiment according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which illustrativeembodiments of the invention are shown. However, this invention may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that isconsistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art andwill not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unlessexpressly so defined herein.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. Asused herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,”“comprising,” “includes” and/or “including” when used in thisspecification, specify the presence of stated features, steps,operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations,elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Accordingly, there is a need for improved methods, kits, devices andsystems for decorating fingernails or toenails other than theconventional liquid nail polish-based approach.

Accordingly, there is a need for methods, kits, devices and systems fordecorating fingernails or toenails by applying non-liquid nail coatingonto same.

Accordingly, there is a need for methods, kits, devices and systems forremoving nail coatings without the use of a nail polish remover.

Additionally, there is a need for flexible nail coating/cover andmethods of applying thereof with improved dimensional stability,conformability, durability, and a “paint-like” finish.

Furthermore, there is a need for methods of manufacture for laminatedgraphics-embedded flexible nail covering for decorating fingernailsand/or toenails.

Aspects of the present invention relate generally to improved methods,kits, devices and systems for decorating fingernails or toenails.

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention are based on anunexpected discovery that certain vinyl films, such as, for example,vinyl casting films commonly used in the graphic arts, when thermallyactivated and/or thermally cured during the application process, canyield the unexpected benefit of improved flexibility, conformity,appearance, and adherence to the nail surface when used as a coating forfingernails or toenails. In addition, when laminated with a clearcoating film, these laminates nail covers have the added benefit ofimproved durability as nail coatings/covers. Furthermore, theseadditional benefits are realized without the use of chemical primers,clear-coats, or topcoats.

In one aspect, an apparatus, method, and computer-readable mediumconfigured to generate an image onto a graphic film for application ontoa fingernail or toenail is provided. Other embodiments of the presentinvention may include a scanning or color adaptation scheme for matchingcolors and printing onto a graphic film for application onto afingernail or toenail.

In certain embodiments, the invention provides a thermal- and/orpressure-sensitive adhesive-backed film which adds strength and beautyto mammalian and artificial nails. The application of an opaque or cleargraphic film onto fingernails or toenails provides the elements of nailpolish but includes the added benefits of nail support, graphics,specialty colors, no liquid, no dry time, no brush-no mess, no unevenbrush strokes, no chipping, no known cancer causing chemicals, no fumes,and easy removal. The nail coating is water-, detergent-, andabrasion-resistant. Embodiments may include any graphic film known inthe art. In one embodiment, for example, may include the 3M™ Scotchcal™Graphic films, manufactured by the 3M Corporation. It is understood thatother films, such as, for example, graphic films, self-adhesive films,vinyl, polyester, Mylar, latex, rubber, or other films may be used forthis purpose.

As used herein, exemplary nail cover/coating may include, for example,any non-liquid thermally curable pressure sensitive self-adhesive film.Exemplary material may include thermal sensitive graphic films. Graphicfilm suitable for methods embodiments of the present invention mayinclude, for example, any self adhesive thin film type material vinylfilm, cast film (film manufactured by cast method), “2 mil” film, “highperformance” film, “long-term” film, or “premium” films. As used herein,“thin film” may include vinyl casting graphic film about 2 millimetersor less. In certain embodiments, the graphic laminate includes a graphicfilm of about 2 millimeter or less laminated to a clear coat vinylcasting film layer of about 2 millimeter or less. In certainembodiments, film and/or substrates may include various embedded visualeffects such as, for example, varying degrees of shading and/ortransparencies, varying background patterns, varying optical propertiessuch as, for example, refractivity, fluorescence, pearlescence,night-glow, clear, matte, glossy, holographic, iridescent, glitter,and/or other decorative visual effects.

As used herein, “vinyl film” may include any solid or flexible filmmanufactured by casting methods known in the art. Exemplary vinylcasting films are well known in the graphic arts. In contrast, vinylcalendered films such as those manufactured by “calender” methods, arecommonly used in the sign-making arts. In one embodiment, for example,flexible casting film may include the 3M™ Scotchcal™ Graphic films,manufactured by the 3M Corporation. It is understood that other graphicfilms, vinyl, Mylar or other films may be used for this purpose.

In certain other embodiments, exemplary vinyl films may comprisepolyvinylchloride (PVC) polymer, polymeric or monomeric plasticizer (tomodulate flexibility), pigment (to make desired coloration), UVabsorbers (to improve resistance to UV radiation), heat stabilizers,fillers and processing aids. In certain embodiments, cast films mayoffer the added benefit of dimensional stability, thinness (about 2millimeters or less), conformability, durability, and a “paint-like”finish.

As used herein, “shaping” includes using a plotter to cut nail coveringmaterial using the digitized nail image such that the nail coveringmaterial conforms to the nail top surface thereby producing a nail coversized to cover substantially the entire nail top surface.

As used herein, “filing” includes all known methods of reducing theexcessive material down to the desired nail outline by methods known inthe cosmetic arts. Exemplary filing technique may include, for example,methods involving the use of a crystal nail file and/or a scissorsand/or a nail clipper.

As used herein, nail surface may include both natural nail surfaces andextensions thereof by any known methods or techniques known in thecosmetic arts. Nail graphics or protective clear laminate may be appliedto natural nail surfaces as well as surfaces generated by artificialnails, including artificial nail surfaces generated by “nail sculpting”.

As used herein, “nail sculpting” process may include attachment ofpre-made artificial fingernail tip to the tip of a real finger by anadhesive or a supporting sheet. The supporting sheet may be attachedjust under the tip of a real finger, then a thermoset material (e.g.acrylic type) is then applied onto the natural fingernail from thecuticle of the natural finger and sculpted to cover the whole artificialfingernail tip or a portion of the supporting sheet, such that a uniformextended surface is created. Once the thermoset material dries naturallyor under ultraviolet lighting, abrasive filing is applied to create adesired shape for each fingernail.

As used herein, “nail wrapping” may include the process by which fabricpieces are cut off and glued onto a natural fingernail. After a fewlayers of fabric are glued and dried, coats of filler material areapplied to create a continuous uniform surface. After abrasive filing tothe desired nail shape, the nail can then be decorated.

As used herein, exemplary nail graphic suitable for placement on thenail cover may include, for example, any user desired image, design,pattern, photograph, or color scheme. In certain embodiments, nail coverlaminate may include printed nail graphics with designs and/or colorscommonly associated with the application of “French Tip” and/or anydecorative and/or metallic features. Certain embodiments may alsoinclude the application of small decals, metallic flakes, or imitationjewels.

In certain embodiments, a printer may be used to print Pantone-matchedcolors or any number of logos, designs, or images onto afingernail-sized graphic film. It is understood that any printer capableof spot color printing onto a graphic film may be used.

As used herein, suitable printing method may include, for example,digital printing, thermal direct printing, thermal transfer printing,thermal process printing, ink-jet printing, screen printing,electrostatic printing, piezo ink jet printing, and/or thermo inkjetprinting.

In certain embodiments, the manufacture of the graphic nail coatinglaminate may comprise printing by a thermal transfer printing process.Exemplary thermal transfer printing process may include the use of anormal label media (e.g. film, paper) and a ribbon. The print head isheated and applied to the ribbon, the heat is transferred to the ribbonwhich contains ink. The heated ink is then transferred to the filmsubstrate.

In certain embodiments, the manufacture of the graphic nail coatinglaminate may comprise printing by the thermal direct printing process.In a typical thermal direct printing process, the labels themselves areheat sensitive and the color transfer does not require a ribbon.

As used herein, exemplary thermal ribbons suitable for the printingprocesses described herein may include wax, wax-resin or pure resin.Exemplary pure resin ribbons are formulated to print onto plastic labelssuch as polyester, polypropylene and vinyl. The “ink” is designed toslightly dissolve into or adhere to the plastic surface of the label andbecomes more durable, depending on the plastic material and ribbon makeused. Certain printer/ribbon/film substrate combinations such as thosedescribed herein tend work well together, which is particularlyimportant as some combinations produce no image at all.

In certain embodiments, printers suitable for the manufacturing of nailgraphics laminate embodiments of the invention may include digital orelectronic printer, such as, for example, thermal resin printer, whichapplies melted resins to a portion of the top surface of theself-adhesive film. Exemplary suitable thermal-resin printer includesRoland™ PC-12 Thermal Resin Printer/Cutter. In certain otherembodiments, suitable printers may include inkjet printer, which appliesink to the top portion of the film. The ink may penetrate the topportion of the film substrate as well as adhering to the surface.Exemplary ink-jet printer may include the Versa CAMM™ InkjetPrinter/Cutter (Roland DGA Corporation, Irvine, Calif., USA). In certainother embodiments, suitable printer may include any other types ofcomputer-controlled printers, such as, for example, dye sublimation andlaser printers as well as any other integrated wide-format printer (e.g.Roland SOLJET™ printing and contour cutter), cutting plotter or cuttingprinters systems.

As used herein, cutters suitable in the manufacturing of the nailgraphics laminate embodiments of the present invention may include, forexample, a computer-controlled electronic cutter. In certainembodiments, the electronic cutter is integral with the electronicprinter. Exemplary precision computer-controlled cutters, may include,for example, such as those manufactured by Gerber, Mimaki, Allen, andGraphtec.

In certain embodiments, on long nails the nail coating may be applied tothe backside of the nail for added strength. A white coating film may beused to give the nail a “French manicure” look. In certain embodiments,the colors and/or graphics associated with the “French manicure” look isprinted directly on the film substrate which does not requireapplication of additional “French tips.”

The nail coating is applied manually to the nail surface. The nailcoating/cover can either be cut out with a manual cutting device such asa scissors or cut with an automated cutter.

As used herein, thermal-cure or thermal-activate may include the processof applying efficacious amount of heat to the site of the thermallysensitive nail coating/cover material in situ (disposed over the desirednail surface) wherein the heat applied is sufficient to favorably alterthe physical properties of the film to improve placement, appearance,conformity, during the application process. In certain embodiments,application of heat renders the self-adhesive film more pliable andelastic, thus permitting a better fit to the nail surface. In certainembodiments, thermal sensitive film may include suitable vinyl film inwhich the laminating process is facilitated by the application of heat.

As used herein, manufacturing methods embodiment of the presentinvention may include the process of lamination well known in the art.Exemplary laminating process includes thermal lamination process whereinthe lamination is based on the application of heat. Suitable laminatingfilms typically contain heat sensitive coating one side and the materialis passed through heated roll or laminator. In certain embodiments,suitable pressure is applied in combination with the heat applicationuntil the lamination process is completed. In certain embodiments,graphics nail coating/cover are laminated by bonding to a clear film toplayer and a self-adhesive/backing bottom layer. A skilled artisan wouldappreciated that various laminating material such as, for example,standard thermal laminating films, low-temperature thermal laminatingfilms, heatset (or heat-assisted) laminating films, pressure-sensitivefilms, liquid laminates; adhesives; equipment (e.g. pouch laminators,heated roll laminators, cold roll laminators); and processes may beused. In certain embodiments, laminating process may be adjusted toalter the glossy or matte appearance of the substrate.

As used herein, clear nail cover laminate (laminate without graphics)embodiments of the present invention may also be applied as a protectivetop layer in combination with graphics applied by conventional naildecoration techniques, including, for example, “acrylics” whichtypically comprises a mixture of a polymer powder and a liquid monomer(e.g. ethylmethacrylate) and “UV gel”, which typically comprises apolymer resin which hardens under ultraviolet light.

Other embodiments may include an apparatus or printing device or ascanning or color adaptation scheme for matching colors and printingonto a graphic film for application onto a fingernail or toenail.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary method ofmanufacturing the exemplary heat curable pressure sensitive nail coverlaminates. A nail graphics is selected 1002 and uploaded 1004 forprinting to a suitable printing system. Printing systems and/or machinescompatible with cutting and forming or stock film such as vinyl filmsare well known in the art and commercially available for this purpose.Exemplary printing/cutting machines include computer-aided sign makingmachines such as those manufactured by Gerber Scientific Instruments,such as the SIGNMAKER™ IVB and the GRAPHIX 4B and 4E, GSP SPRINT IIB,SUPERSPRINT Model B machines, as well as those manufactured by Gerber,Mimaki, Allen, and Graphtec.

Suitable film stock material (e.g. thermal transfer imaging filmmaterial) in accordance with the embodiments of the invention isinitially fed through such printing/cutting machine to generate suitabletemplates for graphics printing 1006. In certain embodiments, stock filmmaterial may be pre-formed with perforations to facilitate separation.Exemplary printing methods may include thermal transfer printing. Thegenerated printed templates are laminated 1010 under the action of heatand/or pressure 1008 and adhered to their corresponding counterpartsurfaces as shown in FIG. 4.

General nail templates sized according to the respective nail profilesof the various demographics cohorts (e.g. templates for women's fingerand toe nails; small and large sizes for men and children; other mammale.g. horses) are selected to be used as printing substrates 4004. Thenail graphics 4002 are designed to fit within the respective nailtemplate profiles. Nail graphics 4002 are printed onto the top portionof the self-adhesive (4006) film substrate 4004, which has apeelable/releasable backing 4008. A clear (without graphic) top layer4000 is laminated onto the nail graphics which is transferred onto thefilm substrate. Top layer may be composed of the same material as thefilm substrate layer (e.g. vinyl casting film). In certain embodiments,the cutting 1012 (with or without computer-aided) may be based on theperimeter and/or outline of the individual finger or toe such that thegraphics containing self-adhesive nail laminates can be remove or peeledfrom the backing. Excess material is removed either manually or bycomputer-aided processes 1014.

In certain embodiments, the cutting 1012 (with or without computeraided) generates individual sheets of graphic (or clear) nail coverlaminates for packaging 1016. The sheets may contain multiple units ofthe same graphics design or combinations of various designs and/orsizes.

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary method of applyingthe exemplary heat curable pressure sensitive nail cover laminates. Toapply a pre-printed graphics nail cover laminate 2002, the surface ofthe nail to which the graphics laminate is to be applied is pre-cleaned(e.g. alcohol or following a manicure). The laminate is peeled off 2008of the corresponding backing 4008, then placed 2010 onto a correspondingnail (e.g. similar width) surface. In certain embodiments, the laminatemay be pre-heated to facilitate the ease of manipulation 2006. The nailgraphics laminates are located where desired on the nail surface,adequate heat and/or pressure is applied to the assembly to adhere thenail graphics laminate onto the nail surface. The backing sheet may thensimply be peeled away to leave the graphics on the surface of the nailin the desired position. The laminate is then formed and shaped and/orsmoothed onto the nail surface 2014, the excess material (e.g. length)is trimmed off by cutting or filing 2016. In certain embodiments, heatmay be applied to cure the bonding between surfaces 2018 or may beapplied to increase the flexibility of the laminate to facilitatemanipulation 2012. In certain embodiments, the contouring of the nailsurface may be performed with the aid of an Orangestick.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary method of removingthe exemplary heat curable pressure sensitive nail cover laminates. Toremove the laminate from the nail surface 3002, the laminate is “heatreleased” 3004 from the surface by applying a steady heat source (e.g.heat gun, blow dryer) to the surface such that the nail cover laminatebecomes increasingly pliable and flexible. In certain embodiments, avisual assessment may be performed to determine the readiness of thelaminate for removal 3006. A small peripheral portion of the laminate ispeeled off with or without an instrument 3008, then the remainingportion may be removed 3012 by grasping 3010 the peeled off portion withor without the aid of an instrument. In certain embodiments, the peelingmotion is from side-to side (vs. tip to base).

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view through an exemplarynail cover laminate embodiment. The laminates may be manufactured fromheat curable pressure sensitive self-adhesive vinyl casting film. Thelaminate embodiment has several layers as shown. The top layer ispreferably a clear vinyl top coat layer 4000 laminated onto the graphicsfilm substrate containing the printed nail graphics. The top layer ispreferably configured without graphics patterns or color to allowvisualization of the graphics layer underneath.

The next layer is preferably the printed graphics layer 4002. Theprinted graphics layer consists essentially of the dye- and/orpigment-containing layer capable of adhering, under the action of heatand/or pressure, to a thin film substrate, such as, for example, a vinylcasting film substrate 4004. The graphics layer is the primary layerwhich imparts visibility to the graphics laminate. It includes generallya pigment and/or dye material in which the graphic design is formedduring the printing process, such as, for example, thermo transfer ontovinyl films. In certain embodiments, the dye or pigment-containing layermay be made up of a plurality of successive dye- or pigment-containinglayers. The next layer contains the self-adhesive 4006, which isreleasably peelable from the bottom backing layer 4008. Before laminatesare applied by the user, for example, during storage, manufacturing, ortransport, the backing 4008 is preferably adhered to the self-adhesivelayer 4006. When ready, the graphics nail laminates are removed from thebacking 4008 for application. Suitable backing material are well knownin the art and are commercially available, exemplary material mayinclude any flexible backing material that are dimensionally stable tofacilitate handling. In certain embodiments, the backing material is inthe form of a strip or a roll of paper or film stock having suitableperforations. In certain other embodiments, dimensionally stableplastics films, such as, for example, polyethylene terephthalate films,may be used.

FIG. 5 illustrates the use of an exemplary nail graphics laminateembodiment as a protective top coating as a supplement to graphicsapplied by conventional nail cosmetic techniques. The vinyl film topcoat covering is laminated onto a substrate film 5000 (without printedgraphics) and applied onto a nail surface 5006 containing nail graphicsand/or other nail decorations 5004 applied by conventional techniques,such as, for example, nail polish, acrylic, wrap, and/or gel.

FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 illustrate sheets of graphics printed nail coverlaminates according to embodiments of the present invention. A sheet maycontain essentially the same design or combination of various designsand/or sizes.

In yet another aspect, a nail cover/coating kit comprising: at least onesheet comprising a plurality of graphics and/or clear nail laminatesmade by the methods described herein, at least one consumer packaging;and at least one instruction for use. In certain embodiments, thegraphics nail laminates are stored in an air-tight pouch until they areused.

The previous description of the embodiments is provided to enable anyperson skilled in the art to practice the invention. The variousmodifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may beapplied to other embodiments without the use of inventive faculty. Thus,the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodimentsshown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with theprinciples and novel features disclosed herein

Various modifications and alterations of this invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of the invention. Other objects and advantages will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the precedingdescription.

1. A method of applying a nail coating laminate for nail decoration comprising: providing a thermal-sensitive vinyl nail cover laminate wherein the vinyl nail laminate further comprises a nail graphics selected by the user to be applied to a nail surface and the laminate being releasably attached to a backing material; cleaning the nail surface to which the nail cover laminate is to be applied, the nail surface having a curved contour; removing the nail cover laminate from the backing material; applying the nail cover laminate onto the nail surface; applying heat to the nail cover laminate disposed over the nail surface and conforming the nail cover laminate according to the contour of the nail surface; and shaping the nail cover laminate.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising curing the nail cover laminate disposed over the nail surface after shaping by applying heat to the laminate.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the vinyl nail cover laminate comprises a clear coat vinyl top layer and a cast film middle layer with a bottom backing layer.
 4. The method according to claim 1 wherein shaping of the nail cover laminate is by filing of the laminate.
 5. The method according to claim 1 wherein shaping of the nail cover laminate is by cutting of the laminate.
 6. A method of manufacture for a thermal sensitive vinyl film laminate for fingernail or toenails decoration comprising: laminating a clear cast vinyl film top layer onto a graphics cast film vinyl film substrate.
 7. The method according to claim 6 further comprising: providing a nail graphics selected by the user to be applied to the desired nail; printing the nail graphics onto a nail coating film substrate; heat-curing the nail graphics onto the film substrate; laminating a clear top layer vinyl film onto the heat-cured graphics film substrate; cutting the graphics laminate into predetermined sizes, shapes or sheets for application onto the nail; removing the excess material after cutting; and packaging the nail cover laminates.
 8. A nail decoration kit comprising: a ready to apply thermal-curable pressure sensitive self-adhesive cast vinyl laminate for decorating a fingernail or a toenail, with the laminate comprising a cast vinyl top layer, a cast film middle layer, and a bottom backing layer.
 9. The nail decoration kit of claim 8, wherein the cast vinyl top layer comprises UV absorbers.
 10. A method of decorating a nail comprising: applying a thermal-sensitive vinyl film laminate to decorate a fingernail or a toenail, with the laminate comprising a cast vinyl top layer, a cast film middle layer, and a bottom backing layer.
 11. The method according to claim 1 wherein the vinyl film laminate is transparent.
 12. The method according to claim 1 wherein the laminate is a pressure sensitive self adhesive laminate.
 13. A nail coating laminate comprising: a thermal-sensitive clear cast vinyl film top layer laminated onto a thermal-sensitive cast vinyl film middle layer wherein said cast vinyl film middle layer comprises a self-adhesive bottom face; and a bottom backing layer with self-adhesive disposed thereon configured to releasably and peelably adhere to the cast vinyl film middle layer.
 14. The laminate according to claim 13 further comprising a nail graphics.
 15. The nail coating of claim 13, wherein the thermal-sensitive clear cast vinyl film top layer comprises UV absorbers.
 16. A nail coating laminate comprising: a clear cast polymeric film top layer laminated onto a thermal-sensitive cast film middle layer wherein said cast film middle layer comprises a self-adhesive bottom face; and a bottom backing layer configured to releasably and peelably adhere to the cast film middle layer.
 17. The laminate of claim 16, wherein the thermal-sensitive cast film middle layer has graphics therein which are visible through the top layer.
 18. The nail coating laminate of claim 16, wherein the clear polymeric film top layer comprises UV absorbers.
 19. A method of applying a nail coating laminate comprising: providing the nail coating laminate of claim 16; removing the bottom backing layer; applying the nail cover laminate onto a nail surface; and conforming the nail cover laminate to the nail surface upon the application of heat. 